ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The African Union on Thursday called for restraint amid growing tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt, urging the three member states to avoid actions or rhetoric that could further destabilise the region.
The AU Commission said it was closely monitoring the deteriorating relations between the three countries and urged their governments to exercise maximum restraint.
It also called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to refrain from steps or statements that could escalate tensions and undermine peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and North Africa.
The continental bloc stressed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between the three countries, saying continued dialogue could help reduce existing tensions and create space for diplomatic engagement.
The AU urged the governments to address their differences through established diplomatic mechanisms and peaceful dialogue, in line with the principles set out in the African Union’s Constitutive Act.
The organisation said it remained ready, in consultation with the countries concerned, to support efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions, encouraging dialogue and finding peaceful solutions to outstanding disputes.
The statement comes as relations among Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt face renewed strains, raising concerns about the potential impact on regional stability.
Ethiopia and Egypt have long been at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, while relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have also come under increasing pressure.
The AU’s appeal comes amid broader diplomatic efforts to prevent disputes among the three countries from developing into a wider regional crisis.
